HC Deb 27 February 1952 vol 496 cc156-7W
89. Mr. Arbuthnot

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any statement to make on the explosion in H.M. Submarine "Alderney"; and how far it is linked with the loss of H.M. Submarine "Affray."

Commander Noble

The explosion in the main engines of H.M. Submarine "Alderney" occurred on 14th February while the submarine was undergoing sea trials following a refit. Fortunately, there were no serious casualties. One rating was admitted to hospital with shock and burns and three others were treated for minor burns. The submarine returned to harbour under her own power.

The accident appears to have been due to failure and overheating of a bearing in the supercharger drive leading to a minor crankcase explosion. The cause of the bearing failure has not yet been established, but is still under investigation. The type of engine in "Alderney" has been in service since 1945 and this is the first known crankcase explosion.

I have no reason to suppose that there is any connection between this accident and the loss of H.M. Submarine "Affray."